Greater New Orleans

Rep. Cedric Richmond proposes changes for FEMA

Rep. Cedric Richmond,
D-New Orleans, entered the last-minute bill introductions fray by
proposing what he calls the FEMA Reform Act of 2012. It would require
FEMA to pay out 50 percent of assessed damages within three days of
completion of a preliminary damage assessment. It would also allow the
president to authorize emergency financing to repair permanent
structures, including rental units, needed for temporary or transitional
housing and open up a recruiting and training office to facilitate the
hiring of local residents to help handle public assistance applications.

View full sizePablo Martinez Monsivais, The Associated PressPresident Barack Obama, right, walks back to his motorcade after touring the Bridgewood neighborhood in LaPlace on Sept. 3 with local officials after Hurricane Isaac. Walking with Obama are, from left, Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., Gov. Bobby Jindal and Sheriff Mike Tregre.

"No one understands the needs of a community like someone from that area," Richmond said. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., introduced a more comprehensive FEMA overhaul bill earlier this year.